Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

As a Stage IV colon cancer with mets to the liver survivor, I too asked my Dr. about avastin.  He knew I wanted to treat my cancer aggresively, which I did by signing up for a clinical trial, which thus far has proved to be more beneficial than standard treatment.

But, my oncologist told me I wasn't sick enough yet to get Avastin.  He would give it to me should my trial fail.

So far, I've not needed it.  I was Diagnosed on July 22, 2004 and have had no evidence of disease since September 13, 2004. 

My father was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic colon cancer to the liver on May 1,2007. They were unable to remove the tumor in the rectum and since he has many spots on the liver they could not resect the liver either.He was given Folfox and Avastin. They had to stop using the Avastin because he developed blood clots. In December 2007 the doctor advised us that the cancer was in remission and gave my father a break from the chemo. He has not received chemo since December but has been monitered on a monthly basis. His most recent MRI showed that he has a new lesion on his liver of 10cm. I noticed that the above post stated they were cancer free for a long time with a simular cancer. Did you have surgery? Where were you treated and with what type of med? My father is very discouraged that the cancer has returned and is more aggresive. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

I'm so sorry to hear about your father.

The original docs I went to see said I had 18 months to live with treatment, but that I could die at any moment.  I went to the Masonic Cancer Clinic in Minneapolis, MN.  I met with Dr. Edward Greeno.  He let me know of a clinical trial for which I chose.

I had my colon resected on August 13, 2004

I had my liver resected on Sept 13, 2004 and had an HAI pump inserted.  I used Irinotecan for systemic treatment and had FUDR in my HAI pump.

If you live in the US, I would suggest you visit one of these hospitals.  I got my umpteenth opinion and am glad I did.

http://www.usnews.com/directories/hospitals/index_html/specialty+IHQCANC/